The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, knwon suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciiation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compasssion, gentleness, and a deep lvoing concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” — Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Recently, Orlando music producer and Relief in Abstract artist Fortune Howl released this very fluid remix of “Yes, She Knows” by Phoenix + the Flower Girl. Like his original work, the track has a similar Fortune Howl abstract formula. His music is incredibly lava lamp-esque, continually flowing and morphing into strange shapes and vibrant colors. Whenever I hear a Fortune Howl song, I get this disturbing feeling that at anytime I could be attacked by some sort of shadowy monster. But it’s just too damn cool to not enjoy. So. Enjoy.

Today, we have three new releases, by three Orlando acts. Each feature a distinct sound, worlds away from the rest. Enjoy.

Pasty Cline – “But A Phase”

Pasty Cline is becoming quite a staple on The Vinyl Warhol. “But A Phase” is a familiar sound with the same DIY recording and one-man-against-the-world attitude. Here, Lawhorne’s voice is twangier than usual, evoking the California gold rush. The song was recently featured on a split cassette with Tremolo Ghosts, put out by Liquid Library. With quick picking and a thumping beat, Pasty Cline sounds as if he’s riding the rails in search a fortune that’s long gone.

There’s a whole album waiting at Pasty Cline’s Bandcamp. Side-effects may include: lactating.

Witch Kings – “I Can’t Tell”

Witch Kings’ debut single is a sultry slow jam with darkness at it’s core. We’re greeted with wispy guitar tones that dive slowly into the first verse. Singer John Waters’ vocals are deep and haunting, his diction reminiscent of Lou Reed (see: “Cheeesssttt”). Waters himself seems confused. He cries, he laughs, he’s high, he’s low. This uncertainty only adds to the song’s overall haziness. Witch Kings features members from The Welziens and The Haroux, but “I Can’t Tell” is in a vain different from both. This first release was a surprise. I can only wonder what other surprises are in store.

Keep an eye on Witch King’s Bandcamp. There is much, much more to come.

Fortune Howl – “Interzone Export”

The video for Fortune Howl’s “Interzone Export” is both beautiful and disturbing. We follow a figure (you can’t even call him a person) through an eerie world void of life and color. He trudges through a swamp to stop at dead stumps and piles of ruble, longing for the lively world he used to know. The video perfectly reflects the song’s emotion. Themes of isolation plague every element of sound. The music and vocals give me chills. Fortune Howl moans out, “Everything is gone, but I’m still here.” I need an adult.